The research study “Pathway of Digital Transformation in Logistics” deals with today’s logistics challenges, which are increasing speed and the integration of real-time information for data-driven services, implementing new organizational and leadership structures as well as the need for finding approaches for cooperation with new actors such as start-ups or tech companies. Therefore, the study examines four thematic building blocks central to current developments in logistics: technologies, including platforms, and data-driven services as tools and leadership and organization, as well as open innovation as enablers. The research approach is twofold. First, we investigate the four topics by means of an online questionnaire answered by 120 international participants. Second, a Delphi workshop with 32 logistics experts from industry and LSP reveals further evaluations of success factors and barriers for future developments in logistics. The study describes findings how companies move forward on the path of digital transformation towards smart logistics by presenting and discussing best practice concepts and future developments in logistics. Die Forschungsstudie "Pathway of Digital Transformation in Logistics" beschäftigt sich mit aktuellen Herausforderungen in der Logistik: zunehmende Geschwindigkeit und die Integration von Echtzeitdaten für datengetriebene Services, Implementierung neuer Organisations- und Führungsstrukturen sowie die Notwendigkeit, Ansätze für die Zusammenarbeit mit neuen Akteuren wie Start-ups oder Technologieunternehmen zu finden. Daher untersucht die Studie vier thematische Bausteine, die für aktuelle Entwicklungen in der Logistik zentral sind: Technologien, einschließlich Plattformen, und datengesteuerte Services als Werkzeuge und Führung und Organisation sowie Open Innovation als Enabler. Der Forschungsansatz ist zweigeteilt. Zunächst untersuchen wir die vier Themen anhand eines Online-Fragebogens, der von 120 internationalen Teilnehmenden beantwortet wurde. Zweitens ergibt ein Delphi-Workshop mit 32 Logistikexpert/innen aus Industrie und Logistikdienstleistung weitere Erkenntnisse über Barrieren und Erfolgsfaktoren für zukünftige Entwicklungen in der Logistik. Die Studie präsentiert Ergebnisse, wie Unternehmen auf dem Weg der digitalen Transformation zur intelligenten Logistik voranschreiten, indem sie Best-Practice-Konzepte und zukünftige Entwicklungen in der Logistik vorstellt und diskutiert.

Industrial revolutions have impacted both, manufacturing and service. From the steam engine to digital automated production, the industrial revolutions have conduced significant changes in operations and supply chain management (SCM) processes. Swift changes in manufacturing and service systems have led to phenomenal improvements in productivity. The fast-paced environment brings new challenges and opportunities for the companies that are associated with the adaptation to the new concepts such as Internet of Things (IoT) and Cyber Physical Systems, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cyber security, data analytics, block chain and cloud technology. These emerging technologies facilitated and expedited the birth of Logistics 4.0. Industrial Revolution 4.0 initiatives in SCM has attracted stakeholders’ attentions due to it is ability to empower using a set of technologies together that helps to execute more efficient production and distribution systems. This initiative has been called Logistics 4.0 of the fourth Industrial Revolution in SCM due to its high potential. Connecting entities, machines, physical items and enterprise resources to each other by using sensors, devices and the internet along the supply chains are the main attributes of Logistics 4.0. IoT enables customers to make more suitable and valuable decisions due to the data-driven structure of the Industry 4.0 paradigm. Besides that, the system’s ability of gathering and analyzing information about the environment at any given time and adapting itself to the rapid changes add significant value to the SCM processes. In this peer-reviewed book, experts from all over the world, in the field present a conceptual framework for Logistics 4.0 and provide examples for usage of Industry 4.0 tools in SCM. This book is a work that will be beneficial for both practitioners and students and academicians, as it covers the theoretical framework, on the one hand, and includes examples of practice and real world.

This book unravels the complexities of supply chain process transformation by explaining step by step, in simple terms, what are the requirements for success, right from the basics to how to implement this complicated task. The book provides insights into how to lead the transformation project and how to manage the change internally and externally. The authors' hands-on experience in the field via applied research is clearly illustrated in the case studies, which provide the reader with practical examples of the challenges and benefits of implementing a digital supply chain transformation project. This is a must-have book for all supply chain and operations professionals.Related Link(s)

STREAMLINE OPERATIONS AND DELIVER MORE VALUE THAN EVER WITH A STRONG SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGY "Dittmann’s thoughtful approach and real-world examples make this book is an excellent resource for anyone in the supply chain field, whether a beginner or an executive seeking a better framework for the existing supply chain strategy." -- Dave Clark, Vice President, Global Customer Fulfillment, Amazon "A practical approach for developing and implementing breakthrough customer-driven integrated supply chain strategies designed to generate best in class operating and financial performance for any enterprise." -- Paul H. Trueax III, Vice President, North America Customer Services and Logistics, Colgate Palmolive "An effective supply chain strategy can have a huge impact on all of the stakeholders of the organization. This book lays out nine clear and concise steps that are very helpful as your company starts this critical process." -- Bill Hutchinson, Vice President, Global Supply Chain and Fulfillment, Dell "Dittmann's book lays out a customer-driven, case-derived nine-step method for creating and implementing a transformational supply chain strategy. It is a must-read for any supply chain professional developing or refreshing a supply chain strategy." -- Reuben Slone, Senior Vice President, Supply Chain, Walgreens

This open access book explores supply chains strategies to help companies face challenges such as societal emergency, digitalization, climate changes and scarcity of resources. The book identifies industrial scenarios for the next decade based on the analysis of trends at social, economic, environmental technological and political level, and examines how they may impact on supply chain processes and how to design next generation supply chains to answer these challenges. By mapping enabling technologies for supply chain innovation, the book proposes a roadmap for the full implementation of the supply chain strategies based on the integration of production and logistics processes. Case studies from process industry, discrete manufacturing, distribution and logistics, as well as ICT providers are provided, and policy recommendations are put forward to support companies in this transformative process.

The digital transformation is in full swing and fundamentally changes how we live, work, and communicate with each other. From retail to finance, many industries see an inflow of new technologies, disruption through innovative platform business models, and employees struggling to cope with the significant shifts occurring. This Fourth Industrial Revolution is predicted to also transform Logistics and Supply Chain Management, with delivery systems becoming automated, smart networks created everywhere, and data being collected and analyzed universally. The Digital Transformation of Logistics: Demystifying Impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution provides a holistic overview of this vital subject clouded by buzz, hype, and misinformation. The book is divided into three themed-sections: Technologies such as self-driving cars or virtual reality are not only electrifying science fiction lovers anymore, but are also increasingly presented as cure-all remedies to supply chain challenges. In The Digital Transformation of Logistics: Demystifying Impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the authors peel back the layers of excitement that have grown around new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Blockchain or Cloud computing, and show use cases that give a glimpse about the fascinating future we can expect. Platforms that allow businesses to centrally acquire and manage their logistics services disrupt an industry that has been relationship-based for centuries. The authors discuss smart contracts, which are one of the most exciting applications of Blockchain, Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings for freight procurement, where numerous data sources can be integrated and decision-making processes automated, and marine terminal operating systems as an integral node for shipments. In The Digital Transformation of Logistics: Demystifying Impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, insights are shared into the cold chain industry where companies respond to increasing quality demands, and how European governments are innovatively responding to challenges of cross-border eCommerce. People are a vital element of the digital transformation and must be on board to drive change. The Digital Transformation of Logistics: Demystifying Impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution explains how executives can create sustainable impact and how competencies can be managed in the digital age - especially for sales executives who require urgent upskilling to remain relevant. Best practices are shared for organizational culture change, drawing on studies among senior leaders from the US, Singapore, Thailand, and Australia, and for managing strategic alliances with logistics service providers to offset risks and create cross-functional, cross-company transparency. The Digital Transformation of Logistics: Demystifying Impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution provides realistic insights, a ready-to-use knowledge base, and a working vocabulary about current activities and emerging trends of the Logistics industry. Intended readers are supply chain professionals working for manufacturing, trading, and freight forwarding companies as well as students and all interested parties.